U.S. patent number 8,238,089 [Application Number 12/483,207] was granted by the patent office on 2012-08-07 for portable terminal, display module thereof, and method for fabricating the display module.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Moon-Pyoung Kim, Chang-Bai Won.
United States Patent |
8,238,089 |
Kim , et al. |
August 7, 2012 |
Portable terminal, display module thereof, and method for
fabricating the display module
Abstract
A display module for a portable terminal comprises: a display
panel; an outer frame configured to wrap a bottom surface and a
plurality of side surfaces of the display panel; an inner frame
sandwiched between the display panel and the outer frame, and
having a bottom surface supporting portion and a plurality of side
surface supporting portions for supporting the bottom surface and
the plurality of side surfaces of the display panel, respectively,
wherein at least one of the plurality of side surface supporting
portions is excluded; and a filling member filled into a gap
between the display panel and the outer frame in which at least one
of the plurality of side surface supporting portions is
excluded.
Inventors: |
Kim; Moon-Pyoung (Gyeonggi-Do,
KR), Won; Chang-Bai (Gyeonggi-Do, KR) |
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc. (Seoul,
KR)
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Family
ID: |
41608908 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/483,207 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100029339 A1 |
Feb 4, 2010 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 1, 2008 [KR] |
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10-2008-0075809 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.3;
312/223.1; 361/679.55; 361/679.21; 455/575.1; 361/679.56;
312/223.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M
1/0266 (20130101); H04M 2250/22 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;361/679.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Edwards; Anthony Q
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lee, Hong, Degerman, Kang &
Waimey
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable terminal, comprising: a frame module having a first
frame and a second frame, wherein each of the first frame and
second frame comprises lateral opposing sides and longitudinal
opposing sides and the first and second frames are in contact with
each other; a display panel disposed on the lateral opposing sides
and the longitudinal opposing sides of the second frame, wherein
each of the lateral opposing sides and the longitudinal opposing
sides of the second frame includes a supporting portion configured
to support the display panel, wherein the supporting portion of
each of the lateral opposing sides and the longitudinal opposing
sides of the second frame is substantially covered by the display
panel when the display panel is disposed on the frame module, and
wherein the lateral opposing sides of the second frame further
include a side supporting portion protruding from the supporting
portion and positioned along at least part of the lateral opposing
sides such that a height of the supporting portion of the
longitudinal opposing sides is shorter than a height of at least a
portion of the lateral opposing sides.
2. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the first frame
comprises a metallic material and the second frame comprises a
resin material.
3. The portable terminal of claim 1, further comprising a filling
member disposed at a space between the display panel and the first
frame.
4. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of
the first frame is not in contact with the display panel, the first
frame is in contact with at least one element of the portable
terminal other than the display panel and the second frame, and
surfaces of the second frame are not in contact with any element of
the portable terminal other than the first frame and the display
panel.
5. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the first frame
comprises a first type edge configured into an upright position
with a sharp inward fold thereby having a double thickness to
reinforce the first type edge, and the first frame reinforces a
plurality of edges of the display panel.
6. The portable terminal of claim 1, wherein the supporting portion
of each of the lateral opposing sides and the longitudinal opposing
sides of the second frame is positioned along a corresponding side
of the lateral opposing sides and the longitudinal opposing sides
of the first frame.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in
priority Korean Application No. 10-2008-0075809, filed on Aug. 1,
2008, which is herein expressly incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structure of a display module
for a portable terminal, and a method for fabricating the same.
2. Background of the Invention
In general, a portable terminal is a device that can be carried
around and has one or more functions such as to perform voice and
video call communications, inputting and outputting information,
storing data, and the like.
As such functions become more diversified, the portable terminal
can support more complicated functions such as capturing images or
video, reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving
broadcast signals, and the like. By comprehensively and
collectively implementing such functions, the portable terminal may
be embodied in the form of a multimedia player or device.
Various attempts have been made to implement complicated functions
in such a multimedia device by means of hardware or software. For
instance, a user interface environment is provided in a portable
terminal to enable a user to easily and conveniently search for or
select a desired function among available functions.
The portable terminal has a slim and light configuration, which
requires a size decrease of components mounted therein and removal
of unnecessary spaces. Furthermore, it is required that the
components of the portable terminal be arranged so as to be
normally operated without influencing on another components.
A display of the portable terminal is provided with a display panel
for displaying visual information, and a driving circuit board for
controlling the display panel. The display panel and the board are
integrally formed by a frame as one module.
The display panel may be equipped with a frame structure of a high
strength for protection against inner impacts, and equipped with a
damping structure for protection against external impacts.
According to the recent trend of light and slim configurations of
the portable terminal, the frame structure and the damping
structure are required to have minimized space occupation in the
portable terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a
reinforcing and damping structure for protection of a display
panel, the structure occupying a minimized volume in a portable
terminal.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for
fabricating a display module for a portable terminal capable of
facilitating the entire processes.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the
purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described
herein, there is provided a portable terminal, comprising: a
display panel; an outer frame configured to mount the display panel
by wrapping a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces of
the display panel; an inner frame sandwiched between the display
panel and the outer frame, and having a bottom surface supporting
portion and a plurality of side surface supporting portions for
supporting the bottom surface and the plurality of side surfaces of
the display panel, respectively, wherein at least one of the
plurality of side surface supporting portions is excluded; and a
filling member filled into a gap between the outer frame and the
display panel in which at least one of the plurality of side
surface supporting portions of the inner frame is excluded.
The outer frame may be formed in a metallic tray type.
An upper edge portion of the outer frame may be folded so as to
have a doubled thickness.
The inner frame may be formed of resin.
The display panel may be formed in a rectangular shape that a
vertical side is longer than a horizontal side. And, the side
surface supporting portion corresponding to the vertical side of
the display panel may be excluded.
The display panel may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel, and a backlight unit for illuminating the LC panel.
The filling member may be filled into a gap in which at least one
of the side surface supporting portions of the inner frame
corresponding to the vertical sides of the display panel is
excluded.
The filling member may be formed of a material hardened by an
ultraviolet ray.
The filling member may be formed of an opaque material so as to
shield light from the display panel.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a portable terminal, comprising: a display panel
configured to display information; a first frame configured to
mount the display panel by wrapping a bottom surface and a
plurality of side surfaces of the display panel; a second frame
disposed between the display panel and the first frame, and having
a bottom surface supporting portion and a plurality of side surface
supporting portions for supporting the bottom surface and the
plurality of side surfaces of the display panel, respectively; and
a filling member filled into a gap between the first frame and the
display panel and later hardened.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the
purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described
herein, there is also provided a method for fabricating a display
module for a portable terminal, comprising: forming an inner frame
so as to have a bottom surface supporting portion and a plurality
of side surface supporting portions for supporting a bottom surface
and a plurality of side surfaces of the display panel,
respectively, wherein at least one of the plurality of side surface
supporting portions is excluded; forming an outer frame so as to
wrap the bottom surface and the plurality of side surfaces of the
display panel; mounting the inner frame to the outer frame; and
filling a filling member into a gap between the outer frame and the
display panel in which at least one of the plurality of side
surface supporting portions is excluded.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of the present invention when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal according to
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of a communications system where the
portable terminal of the present invention can be operated;
FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the portable terminal
according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the portable terminal of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a display module
according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line `I-I` in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a process for filling a
filling member between a display panel and an outer frame; and
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a display module completed as
the filling member of FIG. 8 has been filled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Description will now be given in detail of the present invention,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Hereinafter, a portable terminal according to the present invention
will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached
drawings. The suffixes attached to components of the portable
terminal, such as `module` and `unit` were used for facilitation of
the detailed description of the present invention. Therefore, the
suffixes do not have different meanings from each other.
The portable terminal according to the present invention may
include a portable phone, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a
digital broadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), a
Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a navigation, etc. It is obvious
to those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments of the
present invention can be applied not only to portable terminals,
but also to stationary terminals such as a digital TV and a desk
top.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown, the portable terminal 100 includes a wireless
communication unit 110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit 120, a user
input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory
160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit
190, etc.
FIG. 1 shows a portable terminal having various components.
However, all the disclosed components are not indispensable. The
portable terminal may have a larger or smaller number of components
than the disclosed components.
Hereinafter, each of the components will be explained.
The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more
components which permits wireless communication between the
portable terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or
network within which the portable terminal 100 is located. For
example, the wireless communication unit 110 may include a
broadcast receiving module 111 that receives a broadcast signal
and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast
managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may
include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.
In addition, the broadcast managing entity generally refers to a
system which transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast
associated information. Examples of broadcast associated
information include information associated with a broadcast
channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc.
For instance, broadcast associated information may include an
electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting
(DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video
broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).
In addition, the broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV
broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast
signal, among others. The broadcast signal may further include a
broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.
The broadcast receiving module 111 is also configured to receive
broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast
systems. For example, such broadcasting systems include the digital
multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, the digital
multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, the digital video
broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system, the data broadcasting system
known as media forward link only (MediaFLO.RTM.) and the integrated
services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system among
others. Receiving multicast signals is also possible. Further, data
received by the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a
suitable device, such as a memory 160.
The wireless communication unit 110 also includes a mobile
communication module 112 that transmits/receives wireless signals
to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, Node-B).
Such signals may represent audio, video, multimedia, control
signaling, and data, among others.
Also included is a wireless Internet module 113 that supports
Internet access for the portable terminal. The module 113 may be
internally or externally coupled to the terminal. The wireless
communication unit 110 also includes a short-range communication
module 114 that facilitates relatively short-range communications.
Suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio
frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA),
ultra-wideband (UWB), as well at the networking technologies
commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few.
A position-location module 115 is also included in the wireless
communication unit 110 and identifies or otherwise obtains the
location of the portable terminal 100. The position-location module
115 may be implemented using global positioning system (GPS)
components which cooperate with associated satellites, network
components, and combinations thereof. For example, the GPS module
115 can measure accurate time and distance respectively from more
than three satellites so as to accurately calculate a current
position of the portable terminal based on such three different
distances according to a triangulation scheme. A scheme may be used
to obtain time information and distance information from three
satellites and correct error by one satellite. Specifically, the
GPS module 115 can further obtain three-dimensional speed
information and an accurate time, as well as position on latitude,
longitude and altitude, from the position information received from
the satellites.
In addition, the portable terminal 100 also includes an Audio/video
(A/V) input unit 120 that provides audio or video signals to the
portable terminal 100. As shown, the A/V input unit 120 includes a
camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and
processes image frames of still pictures or video. The processed
image frames may be displayed on a display unit 151.
Further, the microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while
the portable device is in a particular mode, such as a phone call
mode, recording mode and voice recognition mode. The received audio
signal is then processed and converted into digital data. Also, the
portable device, and in particular, the A/V input unit 120,
includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise
generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal. In
addition, data generated by the A/V input unit 120 may be stored in
the memory 160, or transmitted via one or more modules of the
communication unit 110. If desired, two or more microphones and/or
cameras may be used.
The portable terminal 100 also includes a user input unit 130 that
generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an
associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices
include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static
pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel and a jog switch. A specific
example is one in which the user input unit 130 is configured as a
touchpad in cooperation with a touch screen display, which will be
described in more detail below.
A sensing unit 140 is also included in the portable terminal 100
and provides status measurements of various aspects of the portable
terminal 100. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an
open/close status of the portable terminal 100, relative
positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of the
portable terminal 100, a change of position of the portable
terminal 100 or a component of the portable terminal 100, a
presence or absence of user contact with the portable terminal 100,
orientation or acceleration/deceleration of the portable terminal
100, etc.
As an example, when the portable terminal 100 is a slide-type
portable terminal, the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding
portion of the portable terminal 100 is open or closed. Other
examples include the sensing unit 140 sensing the presence or
absence of power provided by a power supply unit 190, the presence
or absence of a coupling or other connection between an interface
unit 170 and an external device, etc.
Further, the interface unit 170 is often implemented to couple the
portable terminal 100 with external devices. Typical external
devices include wired/wireless headphones, external chargers, power
supplies, storage devices configured to store data (e.g., audio,
video, pictures, etc.), earphones, and microphones, among others.
In addition, the interface unit 170 may be configured using a
wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port to connect a
device having a recognition module to the portable terminal 100, an
audio input/output ports and video input/output ports. Here, the
recognition module is implemented as a chip to store each kind of
information to identify an authorization right for the portable
terminal 100, and may include a User Identity Module (UIM), a
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a Universal Subscriber Identity
Module (USIM), and so on. A device having the recognition module
(hereinafter, will be referred to as `identification device`) may
be implemented as a smart card type. Accordingly, the
identification device may be connected to the portable terminal 100
through a port.
The interface unit 170 may receive data or power from an external
device, and transmit it to each component inside the portable
terminal 100. Or, the interface 170 transmits data inside the
portable terminal 100 to an external device.
When the portable terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle,
the interface unit 170 may serve as a passage through which power
from the external cradle is supplied to the portable terminal 100,
or a passage through which each kind of command signals input from
the external cradle by a user are transmitted to the portable
terminal 100. Said each kind of command signals input from the
external cradle, or said power may operate as signals for
recognizing that the portable terminal 100 has been precisely
mounted to the external cradle.
The output unit 150 is implemented to output audio signals, or
video signals, or alarm signal. And, the output unit 150 may
include a display unit, an audio output unit 152, an alarm output
module 153, etc.
The portable terminal 100 also includes a display unit 151 that
visually displays information associated with the portable terminal
100. For instance, if the portable terminal 100 is operating in a
phone call mode, the display unit 151 will generally provide a user
interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) which includes
information associated with placing, conducting, and terminating a
phone call. As another example, if the portable terminal 100 is in
a video call mode or a photographing mode, the display unit 151 may
additionally or alternatively display images which are associated
with these modes.
Further, the display unit 151 also preferably includes a touch
screen working in cooperation with an input device, such as a
touchpad. This configuration permits the display unit 151 to
function both as an output device and an input device. In addition,
the display unit 151 may be implemented using display technologies
including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film
transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic
light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and a
three-dimensional display. Some of the above display units may be
configured as transparent or transmissive type of display units.
These display units may be referred to as `transparent display
units`, and include a Transparent OLED (TOLED) as a representative
example. The portable terminal 100 may also include one or more of
such display units 151.
A proximity sensor 141 may be arranged at an inner region of the
portable terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch
screen. The proximity sensor 141 indicates a sensor to sense
presence or absence of an object approaching to a surface to be
sensed, or an object disposed near a surface to be sensed, by using
an electric field or infrared rays without a mechanical contact.
The proximity sensor has a longer lifespan and a more enhanced
utilization degree than a contact sensor. The proximity sensor may
include a transmissive type photoelectric sensor, a direct
reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective type
photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation type proximity
sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic type
proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and so on.
The high-frequency oscillation type proximity sensor senses whether
a target approaching thereto exists or not by reducing an
oscillation amplitude of an oscillation circuit under a state that
a high frequency of a sine wave has been oscillated from the
oscillation circuit, and by converting the oscillation amplitude
into an electric signal. Accordingly, even if any target rather
than a metallic target is disposed near the high-frequency
oscillation type proximity sensor, a proximity switch can sense the
target without any interference.
When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,
proximity of a pointer to the touch screen is sensed by changes of
an electric field. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor)
may be categorized into a proximity sensor.
When the pointer is positioned near the touch screen without
contacting onto the touch screen, the location of the pointer, and
a distance between the pointer and the touch screen can be sensed.
Hereinafter, a status that the pointer is positioned to be
proximate onto the touch screen without contact will be referred to
as `proximity touch`, whereas a status that the pointer
substantially comes in contact with the touch screen will be
referred to as `contact touch`. The pointer in a status of
`proximity touch` is positioned so as to be vertical with respect
to the touch screen.
The proximity sensor senses proximity touch, and proximity touch
patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving
status, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch,
and the sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the
touch screen.
An audio output module 152 may output audio data received from the
wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160, in a
call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice
recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and so on. The audio
output module 152 may output audio signals relating to functions
performed in the portable terminal 100, e.g., call signal reception
sound and message reception sound. The audio output module 152 may
include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and so on.
An alarm unit 153 outputs signals notifying occurrence of events
from the portable terminal 100. The events occurring from the
portable terminal 100 may include call signal reception, message
reception, a key signal input, a touch input, and so on. The alarm
unit 153 may output not only video or audio signals, but also other
types of signals such as signals notifying occurrence of events in
a vibration manner. When a call signal or a message is received,
the alarm unit 153 may output vibration so as to inform the
received call signal or message. When a key signal is inputted, the
alarm unit 153 may output vibration. Through the output vibration,
a user may recognize an event occurrence. Signals to inform an
event occurrence may be output through the display unit 151 or the
audio output module 152.
The memory 160 may store programs to operate the controller 180, or
may temporarily store input/output data (e.g., phonebook, messages,
still images, moving images, etc.). The memory 160 may store data
relating to vibration and sound of various patterns output when
touches are input onto the touch screen.
The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination of
suitable memory or storage devices including a flash memory type, a
hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type (SD or XD
memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory
(SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory
(ROM), magnetic memory, magnetic or optical disk, or other similar
memory or data storage device. The portable terminal 100 may
operate on the Internet in association with a web storage that
performs a storage function of the memory 160.
The controller 180 control an overall operation of the portable
terminal 100.
For instance, the controller 180 performs controls and processes
relating to data communication, video call, voice call, etc. The
controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 configured to
play multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented
inside the controller 180, or may be separately implemented from
the controller 180.
The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process to
recognize handwriting inputs or picture inputs on the touch screen,
as texts or images, respectively.
The power supply unit 190 may receive external power or inner
power, thereby supplying the power to each component under control
of the controller 180.
In addition, the above various embodiments may be implemented in a
computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software,
hardware, or some combination thereof.
For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described above may
be implemented within one or more application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal
processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs),
field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,
micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed
to perform the functions described herein, or a selective
combination thereof. In some cases, such embodiments are
implemented by the controller 180.
For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may
be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures
and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions
and operations described herein. The software codes can be
implemented with a software application written in any suitable
programming language and may be stored in a memory (for example,
the memory 160), and executed by a controller or processor (for
example, the controller 180).
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, will be explained
communication systems where the portable terminal of the present
invention can be operated.
Such communication systems may utilize different air interfaces
and/or physical layers. Examples of such air interfaces utilized by
the communication systems include example, frequency division
multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), code
division multiple access (CDMA), and universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS), the long term evolution (LTE) of
the UMTS, and the global system for mobile communications (GSM). By
way of non-limiting example only, further description will relate
to a CDMA communication system, but such teachings apply equally to
other system types.
Referring to FIG. 2, a CDMA wireless communication system may
include a plurality of portable terminals 100, a plurality of base
stations 270, base station controllers (BSCs) 275, and a mobile
switching center (MSC) 280. The MSC 280 is configured to interface
with a conventional public switch telephone network (PSTN) 290. The
MSC 280 is also configured to interface with the BSCs 275. The BSCs
275 are coupled to the base stations 270 via backhaul lines. The
backhaul lines may be configured in accordance with any of several
known interfaces including, for example, E1/T1, ATM, IP, PPP, Frame
Relay, HDSL, ADSL, or xDSL. It is to be understood that the system
may include more than two BSCs 275.
Each base station 270 may include one or more sectors, each sector
having an omni-directional antenna or an antenna pointed in a
particular direction radially away from the base station 270.
Alternatively, each sector may include two antennas for diversity
reception. Each base station 270 may be configured to support a
plurality of frequency assignments, with each frequency assignment
having a particular spectrum (e.g., 1.25 MHz, 5 MHz).
The intersection of a sector and frequency assignment may be
referred to as a CDMA channel. The base stations 270 may also be
referred to as base station transceiver subsystems (BTSs). In some
cases, the term "base station" may be used to refer collectively to
a BSC 275, and one or more base stations 270. The base stations may
also be denoted "cell sites." Alternatively, individual sectors of
a given base station 270 may be referred to as cell sites.
As shown in FIG. 2, a broadcasting transmitter (BT) 295 transmits
broadcasting signals to the portable terminals 100 operating within
the system. The broadcast receiving module 111 (FIG. 1) of the
portable terminal 100 is typically configured to receive broadcast
signals transmitted by the BT 295. FIG. 2 further depicts several
global positioning system (GPS) satellites 300. Such satellites
facilitate locating the position of some or all of the portable
terminals 100. Two satellites are depicted, but it is understood
that useful positioning information may be obtained with greater or
fewer satellites. The position-location module 115 (FIG. 1) of the
portable terminal 100 is typically configured to cooperate with the
satellites 300 to obtain desired position information. It is to be
appreciated that other types of position detection technology,
(i.e., location technology that may be used in addition to or
instead of GPS location technology) may alternatively be
implemented. If desired, some or all of the GPS satellites 300 may
alternatively or additionally be configured to provide satellite
DMB transmissions.
During typical operation of the wireless communication system, the
base stations 270 receive sets of reverse-link signals from various
portable terminals 100. The portable terminals 100 are engaging in
calls, messaging, and other communications. Each reverse-link
signal received by a given base station 270 is processed within
that base station. The resulting data is forwarded to an associated
BSC 275. The BSC provides call resource allocation and mobility
management functionality including the orchestration of soft
handoffs between base stations 270. The BSCs 275 also route the
received data to the MSC 280, which provides additional routing
services for interfacing with the PSTN 290. Similarly, the PSTN
interfaces with the MSC 280, and the MSC interfaces with the BSCs
275, which in turn control the base stations 270 to transmit sets
of forward-link signals to the portable terminals 100.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, will be explained a
shape or a configuration of a display module for the portable
terminal according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the portable terminal
according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, the portable terminal 100 is provided with an
upper body 101 and a lower body 102 slidably coupled to each other.
The present invention is not limited to the slide-type of portable
terminal of FIG. 3, but may be applied to any type of one having a
display module, such as a bar type having one body, or a folder
type having two bodies foldably connected to each other. Here, the
display module indicates a physical configuration of the display
unit 151.
A state that the upper body 101 completely overlaps the lower body
102 may be referred to as a `closed configuration`, whereas a state
that one or more parts of the lower body 102 are exposed by the
upper body 101 may be referred to as an `opened configuration`.
The upper body 101 and the lower body 102 may have a bar shape,
respectively, to overlap each other. The lower body 102 and the
upper body 101 may be formed to have a sectional shape of
`.quadrature.`, respectively. Accordingly, the portable terminal
may implement a form factor which minimizes a step occurrence
between an upper surface of the upper body 101 and an upper surface
of the lower body 102, or between a lower surface of the upper body
101 and a lower surface of the lower body 102 in an opened or
closed configuration.
Typically, the portable terminal 100 functions in a standby mode
when in the closed configuration, but the standby mode may be
released by a user's manipulation. Also, the portable terminal
functions in a call mode, an edition mode, etc. when in the opened
configuration. Here, the call mode, the edition mode, etc. may be
converted into a standby mode according to a user's manipulation or
time lapse.
Functions or components of the upper body 101 and the lower body
102 may be varied according to functions or user interfaces desired
by the portable terminal 100. Referring to FIG. 3, the upper body
101 includes a display module 400, an audio output module 152, a
first manipulation unit 131, and a first image input unit 121A.
A case forming the appearance of the upper body 101 (casing,
housing cover, etc.) is formed by an upper case 103 and a lower
case 104. Each kind of electronic components are mounted in a space
formed by the upper case 103 and the lower case 104.
If desired, one or more intermediate cases may be provided between
the upper case 103 and the lower case 104. The upper and lower
cases are usually formed from a suitably ridge material such as
injection molded plastic, or formed using metallic material such as
stainless steel (STS) and titanium (Ti).
The upper case 103 is provided with the display module 400, and a
window 105 for protecting the display module 400.
The first manipulation unit 131 is always in an exposed state
regardless of whether the portable terminal 100 is in an opened
configuration or a closed configuration, and inputs a command to
operate the portable terminal in any mode. The first manipulation
unit 131 may include a touch panel 132 operated in a touch
manner.
The first manipulation unit 131 may be further provided with
illumination means for providing various lighting effects in
response to a user's input.
The display module 400 for visually displaying information may
include liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic light emitting
diodes (OLED), e-paper, transparent OLED (TOLED), etc.
The display module 400 may further include a touch sensing unit,
thereby allowing information to be input by a user's touch. In this
case, the display module 400 may be formed to have a size
corresponding to a front surface of the upper body 101. And, input
and output operations may be performed through the display module
400 under a state that the upper body 101 is in a closed
configuration. For instance, the display module 400 may output
keypads so as to input numbers or texts, or to perform icon
functions. And, a user may perform an input operation by touching
the keypads.
The audio output unit 152 outputs a call sound. The audio output
unit 152 may serve as a loud speaker for outputting each type of
alarm sounds of a system, or play sounds of a multimedia, and may
be further provided with an additional speaker. A through hole 105a
(refer to FIG. 5) through which the audio output unit 152 is
exposed out may be formed at the window 105.
The first image input unit 121A may be implemented as a camera
module to capture a user's still or moving images in a self camera
mode or in a video call mode.
Like the upper body 101, the lower body 102 may include an upper
case 106 and a lower case 107.
A second manipulation unit 133 and a microphone 122 may be disposed
on an upper surface of the upper case 106 of the lower body
102.
The second manipulation unit 133 may be referred to as keypads, and
may be implemented in any types to input information in a user's
tactile manner. For instance, the second manipulation unit 133 may
be implemented as a dome switch or a touch screen or a touch pad to
input information or commands by a user's push or touch. Also, the
second manipulation unit 133 may be implemented as a jog wheel or a
jog switch.
The microphone 122 may be implemented as a microphone to receive a
user's voice or another sounds. The microphone 122 may be disposed
on the second manipulation unit 133, or on a side surface of the
lower body 102.
Side keys 135 and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on side
surfaces of the upper body 101 or the lower body 102.
The side keys 135 may serve as hot keys that perform specific
functions such as activation of the first image input unit 121A.
The side keys 135 may be implemented to have any types to perform
functions by a user's tactile manner.
The interface unit 170 serves as a passage through which the
portable terminal 100 of the present invention exchanges data with
external devices. For instance, the external devices include
wired/wireless terminals to be connected to earphones, power
supplies to supply power to short-range communication ports (e.g.,
IrDA port, Bluetooth port, and wireless LAN port). Also, the
interface unit 170 may be implemented as a card socket (e.g., for
coupling to a memory card, subscriber identity module (SIM) card,
and user identity module (UIM) card).
FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the portable terminal of FIG.
3.
Referring to FIG. 4, a second image input unit 121B may be further
mounted to a lower surface of the lower body 102. The second image
input unit 121B may be a camera having an opposite capturing
direction to the first image input unit 121A, and having different
pixels from the first image input unit 121A. For instance, the
first image input unit 121A operates with a relatively lower
resolution than the second image input unit 121B. Such an
arrangement works well during a video conference, for example. The
relatively higher resolution of the image input unit 121B is useful
for obtaining higher quality pictures for later use.
A flash 125 and a mirror 124 are arranged near the second image
input unit 121B. When capturing an object by the second image input
unit 121B, the flash 125 provides light toward the object. The
mirror 124 is useful for assisting a user to position the second
image input unit 121B in a self-portrait mode.
Referring to FIG. 4, the second image input unit 121B is arranged
at the lower body 102, but at least one of the second image input
unit 121B and other components arranged at the lower case 107 may
be mounted on a lower surface of the upper body 101.
A battery cover 108 to cover a power supply means such as a battery
is mounted to a lower case 107 of the lower body 102. The battery
cover 108 may be formed of metallic or resin materials, or may be
pigmented for color reproductions. Also, the battery cover 108 may
undergo physical or chemical surface processes so as to provide
voluminous visual effects.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the portable terminal of
FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 5, the window 105 is provided therein with the
display module 400, the audio output module unit 152, and the first
image input unit 121A.
A mounting unit 103a for supporting the window 105 and the touch
panel 132 is formed at the upper case 103. The window 105 and the
touch panel 132 are formed to have a thickness similar to a depth
of the mounting unit 103a. Once the window 105 and the touch panel
132 are assembled to the upper case 103, the surface of the window
105 and the touch panel 132 may have the same plane as the surface
of an edge portion of the upper case 103.
The window 105 and the touch panel 132 may be additionally provided
with a reinforced glass at an outer surface thereof, the reinforced
glass for reducing appearance degradation of the portable terminal
100 when a pressure or an impact is applied to the portable
terminal 100.
The display module 400 includes a display panel 410 and a driving
circuit board 401 integrally formed with each other. The display
panel 410 has a predetermined area to display information, and the
driving circuit board 401 drives the display panel 410.
The driving circuit board 401 is a board having thereon a driving
circuit to control liquid crystal of the LCD panel 410, and may be
implemented in the form of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).
And, the driving circuit board 401 may be provided with a connector
401a to be connected to the lower body 102 at the end thereof. The
connector 401a may be printed on a flexible resin film for a slim
configuration and an easy manufacturing process.
A display module fixing rib 104a for mounting the display module
400 may be formed at the lower case 104 or the upper case 103.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the display module
400 according to the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, the display module 400 includes the display
panel 410, an outer frame 420, and an inner frame 430.
The display panel 410 may include the aforementioned liquid crystal
display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), e-paper,
transparent OLED (TOLED), etc. FIG. 6 shows an LCD panel 411.
A back light unit (BLU) 412 for providing light to the LCD panel
411 is disposed below the LCD panel 411. The back light unit 412
may include a light guide sheet for providing light such as LED to
a front surface of the LCD panel 411, a plurality of diffusion
sheets for diffusing light, a reflection sheet, etc.
The display panel 410 is fixed to the frame including the outer
frame 420 and the inner frame 430 as one module.
The outer frame 420 is configured to wrap a bottom surface and a
plurality of side surfaces of the display panel 410 for protection
of the display panel 410. The outer frame 420 may be formed in a
thin metallic tray type, e.g., stainless steel (SUS). The edge of
the outer frame 420 is curved to wrap the side surfaces of the
display panel 410.
The inner frame 430 has a shape to mount the display panel 410
therein. The inner frame 430 is formed of resin injection-molded to
protect the display panel 410.
Referring to FIG. 6, the display panel 410 may be formed in a
rectangular shape that a vertical side is longer than a horizontal
side. One pair of sides of the display panel 410 facing each other,
e.g., vertical sides are fixed to the inner frame 430.
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line `I-I` in FIG.
6. Referring to FIG. 7, inner frames 430A and 430B are formed along
edges of a bottom surface of the outer frame 420 implemented as a
metallic tray.
The inner frame 430A disposed at the horizontal side of the outer
frame 420 includes a bottom surface supporting portion 431 for
supporting a bottom surface of the display panel 410, and a
plurality of side surface supporting portions 432 for supporting
side surfaces of the display panel 410.
However, the inner frame 430B disposed at the vertical side of the
outer frame 420 is formed with excluding the side surface
supporting portions 432 so as to contact only the bottom surface of
the display panel 410.
Accordingly, the horizontal side surfaces of the display panel 410
contact the inner frame 430A, whereas the vertical side surfaces of
the display panel 410 need not contact the inner frame 430B. As a
result, a horizontal length of the display module 400 can be
reduced by the excluded length of the side surface supporting
portions 432. For instance, under an assumption that the outer
frame 420 has a thickness of 0.15 mm and the side surface
supporting portions 432 have a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a length
of about 3.0 mm of the display panel 410 can be reduced as the
right and left sides of the side surface supporting portions 432
are excluded.
Referring to FIG. 7, an upper edge portion 421 of the outer frame
420 may be folded so as to have a doubled thickness. The upper edge
portion 421 of the outer frame 420 serves to effectively prevent an
intensity lowering of the portable terminal when the side surface
supporting portions 432 are excluded.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a process for filling a
filling member between the display panel and the outer frame, and
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the display module completed
as the filling member has been filled in FIG. 8.
The filling member 440 is filled into a gap between the vertical
side of the outer frame 420 and the display panel 410. More
concretely, the vertical sides of the display panel 410 are
contact-fixed to the filling member 440.
The filling member 440 is injected into a gap between the display
panel 410 and the outer frame 420 in the form of liquid drops, and
is hardened by ultraviolet rays, etc. The filling member 440
prevents the display panel 410 from moving in the outer frame 420
in right and left directions, and provides its damping effects. Due
to the filling member 440 filled into a gap and later hardened, an
assembly process is more facilitated and the gap is more completely
filled than the conventional case in which a pre-formed damping
member fills the gap.
The filling member 440 is filled into a gap between the display
panel 410 and the outer frame 420 by a filling tool.
The filling member 440 may be formed of an opaque black resin so as
to effectively block light emitted from the side surfaces of the
display panel 410.
Hereinafter, a method for fabricating the display module 400 will
be explained.
Firstly, the inner frame 430 is formed to include a bottom surface
supporting portion 431 for supporting a bottom surface of the
display panel 410, and a plurality of side surface supporting
portions 432 for supporting side surfaces of the display panel 410.
Here, at least one of the plurality of side surface supporting
portions is excluded. And, the outer frame 420 is formed so as to
wrap a bottom surface and side surfaces of the display panel
410.
Once the inner frame 430 and the outer frame 420 have been
fabricated, the inner frame 430 is fixed to the outer frame 420 in
a bonding manner or in a double-injection manner.
Then, the filling member 440 is filled into a gap between side
surfaces of the display panel 410 having excluded side surfaces of
the inner frame 430, and the outer frame 420. Since the gap has a
narrow width, the filling member 440 can be injected thereinto in
the form of liquid drops. And, the filling member 440 can be
hardened by ultraviolet rays so as to protect the display panel 410
and the driving circuit board.
In the display module according to the present invention, a usable
amount of the inner frame for protecting the display panel can be
reduced by the filling member. Accordingly, the entire size of the
display module can be reduced by the reduced length of the side
surface supporting portions of the inner frame. Furthermore, the
display module having a relatively large size can be disposed at
the portable terminal.
The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and
are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The
present teachings can be readily applied to other types of
apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and
not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. The features, structures, methods, and other
characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may
be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative
exemplary embodiments.
As the present features may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be
understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by
any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise
specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope
as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and
modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims,
or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to
be embraced by the appended claims.
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